Join us at Glenaire Park, on the Great Ocean Road (Victoria), for a distinctly personal and inspiring photographic experience that will help transform the way you see as an image maker. We're keeping this a small group, so you’ll have lots of opportunity for individual support and attention to grow your skills.
“The iconic is in the eye of the beholder”
The images we now call iconic were once the work of photographers who saw the exceptional in the ordinary in their own “back yard”. They photographed and printed what they saw and felt in such a way that today our hearts and minds are touched, moved and inspired by their iconic images. Now we seek to do the same with you in this workshop in the beautiful environment of the Southern Otways along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. This is David's “back yard”. David’s been coming here to capture wonderful imagery for 30 years & now lives here full time. Using exceptional local knowledge, we will guide you to some of the most unique & idealistic locations & lighting conditions, supporting you to create some of your own “iconic” images.
Indulge your passion for photography without compromise, over a long weekend. The Otways is known for its artisan food production and you’ll get to sample some of that, too!
“A fully immersive photographic experience. Create your personal iconic image”
` You’ll be guided on our carefully refined itinerary to multiple locations each day, getting the benefit of David’s immense local knowledge. We aim to get you to some special places.
` You’ll get loads of contact hours in personalised coaching. Supporting, encouraging & challenging you to see & imagine differently, as well as exploring various techniques for creating great images, both in camera and afterwards in editing & printing. Leaving you with an empowered way of seeing as well as a beautiful print to take home. We are both experienced AIPP accredited judges, so can bring to you a positive, constructive and perceptive critique of your imagery.
Venue: We’ll be based at the delightfully secluded and beautifully appointed Glenaire Park at “The Top House”, a warm and comfortable rustic farmhouse nestled in secluded, private bushland with its own walking trails.
The Top House at Glenaire Park:Our workshop venue
Accommodation: You will need to book your own accommodation. See link below for information and links to variously priced options in the area.
Transport: You will need to arrange your own transportation to & from your accommodation, and our Glenaire Park venue. We will provide transportation to & from the various shoot locations we will visit each day.
General Fitness: You will need a medium level of walking fitness to enjoy this workshop, as you will be walking over various terrain which may be uneven at times eg. beach/sand/rocks, bush tracks, inclines etc. However, there will be no serious or difficult hiking, and plenty of stopping to take photographs. You will need a day pack/bum pack to be able to carry your gear, water, warm/rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent etc. Good walking shoes/boots with good grip and that protects your feet, is recommended.
Catering: Our intensive is fully catered, and you’ll get to enjoy fresh local Otways artisan produce. Includes all breakfasts, lunches, snacks, evening meals with some beverages, tea/coffee/juices. BYO special preferences for breakfasts, snacks & beverages etc. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements.
Cost for this intensive long weekend is $1,490.00 (includes GST)
Spaces are limited to maximum of 10 people
What do I get for my $1490?
• Two AIPP accredited Master Photographers in Paul & David
• Lots of contact hours in personalised coaching on location & in post-production editing
• Editing tutorials in Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop CC
• A beautiful, secluded basecamp setting in our “Top House” farmhouse
• Transport from our base to all shoot locations each day
• All meals & snacks & beverages, sourced locally wherever possible
• You’ll get to print your favourite fully edited image from your time with us (A3+ paper size) to take home with you, to reflect on, share and enjoy
Payment - please call or email to book in
• Deposit of $290 is required to secure your place
• Balance is required in full by Friday 1st May 2020 (please contact us if you need to pay by instalments)
More Information can be found via these links
• Professional backgrounds & bio on Paul and David
• Accommodation options in the region
Have Questions? Want to Book in? - Contact David for a chat, and to receive your booking form, payment details, what to bring etc
We want this to be a personal experience, and this starts right from your first enquiry. So please email or call for booking information. Once we receive your deposit or full payment, David will be in touch for a pre-workshop phone interview. This gives us a chance to know something about you, your skill levels, equipment and special interests beforehand. We want to make sure you get the most out of this workshop as possible.
NOTE: Itinerary & weekend schedule details are to be released soon
Contact David
M 0418 328 710 | E [email protected] | W simmondsphotosafaris.com
INSTAGRAM @simmondsphotosafaris @davidsimmondsphotographer @paulhoelen
“You’ll find many layers under the surface when you look beyond the many accolades Paul’s collected during his rich photographic career. His unassuming and earthly poise masks a deep feeling and passion for country, for the power and beauty of the natural world. His inner strength and values carry him to places others may not go. His imagery speaks with great passion for and about those people and places he cares deeply for. From a more poetic view, you will also find in Paul a lightness like sun on trickling water and the playfulness of changing wind and shifting light. His playfulness is well balanced with a deep well-spring of knowledge and technical skill which he will generously share with you on our journey together.” (David’s reflections on Paul)
David is an experienced photography mentor, coach & competition judge, both privately & within his professional association. His works are held in corporate & private collections, including the permanent collections of Museum Victoria & Photography Museum of Lishui (China).
“David is an image maker of great depth and his experience in the field is as vast as the Otway skyline. It’s a real blessing to stand beside him and see the world through his many layers of experience. I particularly enjoy his great understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the work of the masters who have come before, and his particular way of finding the extra-ordinary amongst the ordinary. His love for the region is so genuine he has made his home deep in the heart of it and wakes to its rhythms every day. There couldn’t be anyone better to guide you through this landscape and support you to find the extraordinary wherever you send your visual attention.” (Paul’s reflections on David)
` “Seeing David at work & the way he shared his knowledge was a real growth experience. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their photography.” (Richard C.)
` “What a fun and inspirational weekend away...surrounded by the beautiful Otways...an absolutely priceless experience, thank you so much, David.” (Jessie C.)